July 20--The White Sox's futility against American League Central opponents continued Sunday when the Royals rapped out 13 hits behind Danny Duffy and went for a 4-1 victory at U.S. Cellular Field. The Royals took three out of four in the series and have beaten the Sox seven out of 10 times this season.
On the mound
Chris Sale looked rusty after an seven-day layoff. He allowed four runs on 11 hits. He is 7-9 in his career against the Royals. Duffy posted his fifth quality start of the season.
At the plate
Tyler Saladino hit his first career home run in the ninth and extended his hitting streak to six games. Lorenzo Cain hit his third career homer off Sale, the most he has hit off any pitcher.
In the field
Royals shortstop Alcides Escobar made a backhanded stab of a sharp one-hopper off the bat of Avisail Garcia, flipped it to second baseman Omar Infante, who threw to first for the double play to end the fourth inning.
Turning point
With runners on second and third and one out in the sixth, the Sox sent Jose Abreu and Melky Cabrera to the plate. Duffy struck out Abreu swinging and Cabrera on a called third strike to end the threat.
The number
49-0 -- The Royals' record when leading after eight innings this season.
Up next
Vs. Cardinals, 7:10 p.m., Tuesday, WPWR-50.
